Savannah: Bonaventure Cemetery Tour & Local Legends Walk

Summary

Stories, symbols & spirits among Savannah’s moss-draped stones

You’ll wander beneath ancient oaks in Savannah’s Bonaventure Cemetery, guided by locals who share stories behind every statue and symbol. Stand with Little Gracie’s lifelike monument, trace Victorian carvings, and feel history settle around you in gentle silence. This tour isn’t just about ghosts—it’s about memory lingering where sunlight meets moss.

What’s the experience like?

We were already a few steps past the gates of Bonaventure Cemetery when our guide, Marcus, stopped to point out the way the Spanish moss hangs like old lace from the oaks. I could smell something earthy—wet leaves maybe, or just that river air you get in Savannah. There was this quiet, not quite silence, broken up by birds and sometimes a distant laugh from another group. It didn’t feel spooky at all at first—just peaceful and weirdly beautiful. Marcus had this way of talking about the families buried here like he knew them personally, which I guess he kind of does after years of guiding.

I’d heard about Little Gracie before but seeing her statue up close was different. The marble looks soft somehow—you almost want to reach out and brush her cheek (I didn’t). There were flowers at her feet and someone had left a little toy rabbit. Marcus told us how people still come to ask her for luck or leave gifts for her spirit. He said “Some folks say she still smiles if you talk to her,” and then laughed because he’s never seen it himself. I tried saying hello anyway—felt silly, but also sort of nice.

The walk through Bonaventure Cemetery is longer than you’d expect; we kept stopping because every grave seemed to have some story or strange carving—a lamb for innocence, an urn for mourning. The sun kept shifting behind clouds so sometimes everything looked gold and then suddenly gray again. At one point I just stood there listening to the wind in the trees and thought about how many lives are tangled up in this place. It’s not just old stones—it really does feel like a patchwork of memories stitched together by all these symbols and names.

By the end I wasn’t sure if I felt haunted or comforted—maybe both? If you’re curious about Savannah’s past or just want to see something quietly moving (and yeah, a little eerie), this day trip through Bonaventure with a local guide is worth it. I still think about that hush under the oaks.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Bonaventure Cemetery's history

• Visit Bonaventure Cemetery
• See Little Gracie's statue
• Decode Victorian tomb symbols
• View graves of famous locals

Top questions

How long does the Bonaventure Cemetery tour take?

The tour is structured as a daytime visit; exact duration may vary but expect around 1-2 hours walking with stops for stories.

Is the Bonaventure Cemetery tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the cemetery tour is wheelchair accessible throughout.

Are children allowed on the Bonaventure Cemetery tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are welcome.

Who leads the tours at Bonaventure Cemetery?

A local guide with experience shares stories and historical context during your walk.

What will we see on this day trip to Bonaventure from Savannah?

You’ll visit graves like Little Gracie’s statue, learn Victorian tomb symbols, and hear tales of poets, politicians, war heroes, and more.

Are service animals allowed on this cemetery tour?

Yes, service animals are permitted on the tour route.

Is public transportation available near Bonaventure Cemetery?

Yes, there are public transportation options nearby for easy access to the cemetery entrance.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided walk through Savannah’s Bonaventure Cemetery led by a knowledgeable local guide; it’s fully wheelchair accessible and suitable for all ages—including families with strollers or those bringing service animals—and you’ll find public transport options close by if needed.